As far as trucks go, the Ford F-150 5.4L has led the pack as a dependable and versatile workhorse. Its powerful engine and impressive towing capabilities make it a favorite among truck drivers, but even the F-150 needs to be maintained properly. And for that, one thing you need to know is its engine oil capacity.

Any truck owner can tell you that the cost of keeping and maintaining a truck can add up quickly. From higher maintenance costs, more expensive replacement parts, and even higher insurance premiums, your reliable work truck can put a serious dent in your wallet. Fortunately, you can save some money by skipping the garage for regular maintenance tasks and doing them yourself, like changing your truck’s oil!

Here to walk you through the process is

Jerry

, the

trustworthy super app

for drivers. We can do more than just save you a ton of money on your

car insurance

—we’ve also got guides like this one to keep your truck running in top shape for years to come!

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

2006 Ford F-150 5.4L engine oil capacity

Let’s start with how much engine oil your 2006 Ford F-150 5.4L actually needs.

The 5.4-liter engine in the F-150 has an oil capacity of 7 quarts (or roughly 6.6 liters). This number is completely different (and not interchangeable!) from the engine’s displacement. The displacement is how much volume the engine cylinders take up, which for the F-150 is 5.4 liters. The amount of oil the F-150 needs to keep the engine running is 7 quarts, so don’t get the two numbers mixed up!

What kind of oil does a 2006 Ford F-150 5.4L need?

Now that you know how much oil you need for your F-150 if you’re getting your oil change, next you’ll need to know the right type of oil to buy. There are a lot of options when it comes to engine oil, but not all of them are going to work the best for your truck.

Ford recommends using a premium grade 5W-20 engine oil for your F-150. It’s important to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations whenever possible to keep your truck performing in peak condition.

You’ll also need to decide between conventional or synthetic oil. Ford recommends using a synthetic or synthetic blend for the F-150. While conventional will work, it won’t last as long as synthetic oil and it won’t have any additives to help keep your engine clean and free of sludge and debris.

If you need some more specific recommendations, try these engine oils:

The genuine article: For genuine Ford motor oil, use

Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

For high-mileage vehicles: If your F-150 has a lot of miles on it, try

Castrol GTX High Mileage Synthetic Blend 5W-20

A high-quality synthetic: If you want a motor oil specifically designed for trucks and SUVs, use

Mobil 1 Truck and SUV Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2006 Ford F-150 5.4L

Now that you’ve picked out an engine oil and purchased 7 quarts of it, it’s time to decide if your F-150 is due for an oil change.

Ford recommends changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, this is only if you’ve been using high-quality synthetic oil for your engine. If you’ve been using conventional oil, you’ll need to get your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

A good way to know if you need an oil change that’s a little more reliable than tracking your mileage is to check your oil levels with your dipstick. Checking your oil about once a month should be sufficient to help you keep track of levels and how clean the oil is.

If you notice any of the following signs, you’re due for an oil change soon:

Engine oil is dark brown or black in color (clean oil is light brown or amber)

Oil feels coarse or gritty if you rub it between your fingers

You hear unfamiliar noises coming from the engine

You smell anything like oil, smoke, or burning while operating your vehicle

You notice changes to your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

How to replace power steering fluid for a 2006 Ford F150

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once your F-150 is ready for an oil change, you’ll want to gather the tools you need to change the oil yourself. Grab a socket wrench, drain pan, filter wrench, 7 quarts of new engine oil, and a replacement filter.

Start by turning on your engine and letting it run until it reaches normal operating temperature. This will help the oil drain out better. Once the engine is warm, shut if off and open the hood. Then follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Position the drain pan under the vehicle and remove the oil drain bolt

Remove the old oil filter and keep letting the oil drain

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt once the old oil is completely drained

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

You can check to make sure that you’ve added enough oil by checking the level with the dipstick. You should also turn your engine on to let the oil cycle through for a few minutes. This will turn your oil pressure light off and you can watch for any leaks.

When you’re ready to clean up, pour the old engine oil into a sealed container and drop it off at a recycling facility. Don’t dump dirty oil on the ground or throw it away in the trash!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Owning a truck can get expensive, but by doing some maintenance tasks at home you can save time and money.

Another way you can save time and money on your

Ford F150 car insurance

is by downloading the

Jerry

app. In under 45 seconds, you can search for car insurance coverage from the nation’s top providers, compare premium costs, and choose the most affordable policy without ever leaving the app!

Curious about how much you can save? The average Jerry customer shaves $800+ a year off their

car insurance

premiums when they switch!

“I just had to buy a new car, and I needed quick help to get insurance before I could get my plates. Because I work so many hours,
Jerry
was the ideal choice for getting things done without long phone calls and waiting periods.” —Rosa G.